Puss Caterpillar

Deciduous trees and shrubs, commonly found in oaks, elms, and citrus trees across the Southern United States and parts of Central America

Leaves of host plants including oak, elm, wild plum, and various ornamental shrubs

Larvae are slow-moving and covered in thick, long, hair-like setae that hide venomous spines; they pupate in a tough, oval cocoon often attached to twigs

Highly venomous; contact with the hidden spines causes intense pain, swelling, and systemic symptoms like nausea; they have minimal ecosystem benefit beyond being part of the local food web